With a touch of Saharan dust still hanging in the air over Gran Canaria as we head into the weekend, there are a multitude of FREE and must-see events happening around the island for you to go and enjoy and here are just a few of our hand picked highlights for the warm few days September ahead.
fiesta de tres decadas San mateo
14-16 SEPTEMBER, VEGA DE SAN MATEO
Fiestas Patronales en honor al Apóstol de San Mateo
Patron Saint festivities in San Mateo.
On Friday at 20:00 a drag queen gala will be held at Plaza del Mercado – with music from famous Canarian group Los Gofiones. At 21:00, a fiesta of Three Decades will feature the performances from popular music groups “Los Lola”, “The 600” and “Salvapantallas”, in addition to the later music selections of DJ Promaster and Ballet Sensación. The party is set to last until 4:00 am.
carrera de carretones
On Saturday, the youngest in the family will have an appointment at Alameda de Santa Ana, where they can soak in a traditional foam party. Next, at 12:30. in the Plaza del Mercado a cultural exchange between various folk groups. In the afternoon, from 16:00, the 3 streets (calles Lourdes, La Feria and Vuelta de El Chorrillo ) will be the scene of a traditional go kart race. The day will end with a gala to choose the “pilgrim couple”, an event enlivened by the music of Araguaney. The gala will starts at 21:00 at Plaza del Pino.
On Sunday the festive weekend will conclude with a craft fair by FEDAC in Plaza del Mercado (at 10:00), and a concert of the Musical Union Vega de San Mateo in the Parish of the Apostle San Mateo at 12:00. Well Worth a visit!
FRIDAY 14 SEPTEMBER, TELDE
FIESTAS SANTO CRISTO
The Santo Cristo procession on Friday evening through the historic center of San Juan.
Friday is the day on which the religious Exaltation of the Holy Cross is celebrated and, therefore, the festivity of Christ of Telde. The venerated image will travel on Friday evening through the streets of the historic center of the city, after finishing the Eucharist that, presided over by the Bishop of the Canarian Diocese, Francisco Cases Andreu, that will start at the Temple of San Juan at 19:00 p.m.
FRIDAY 14 SEPTEMBER, ARTENARA
Fiestas en Honor al Santo Cristo de Acusa
Artenara, the highest village on the island at 1600m altitude, and also one of the oldest, celebrating their annual festivities and On Friday, at 10:00 the Pilgrimage from the the Parroquia Apóstol San Matías towards the Church, Iglesia de Ntra. Sra. de la Candelaria. At 11:00 Market in the Plaza de Acusa and at 12:00 Solemn Religious Function and then the procession with the image of the Most Holy Christ of Acusa, accompanied by a music band.
You can see the full program here (in Spanish ).
15-16 SEPTEMBER, LAS PALMAS
BODAEXPO
The seventh edition of BodaExpo, the largest nuptial/wedding fair on Gran Canaria. The Fair is held in INFECAR and is open from 10:00 to 20:00
The entrance costs only €3 and it serves for two days and you can leave and enter as many times as you want. It is essential that you show your ID the first time you leave and for any subsequent tickets, so you can attend all the fashion shows, talks and activities on Saturday and Sunday. Children up to 10 years and visitors over 60 will enter for free. Tickets can be purchased at the box office on the same day.
Days included among other features; a bridal catwalk with the best brands, Talks about protocol at weddings, Decoration courses, Dance classes, Tips on makeup and beauty, Chats on floral ornaments, Nutrition talks, and a talk about wine pairing.
SATURDAY 15 SEPTEMBER, MOGÁN
THE ROCK RUN MOGÁN
This Saturday evening from Playa de Mogán, the Rock Run Mogán, organized by club PINK COWS, a running competition of 6 & 12 km as well as a kids run. Departure is at 20:30 with a start and finish in front of the municipal gym.
In addition, free fitness classes with music will be held before the race.
SATURDAY 15 SEPTEMBER, TEROR
FIESTAS DE PINO
Gran Canaria Patron Saint festivities “The Lady of the Pine” still continue in Teror.
On Saturday, there is the second popular horse race on Avenida del Cabildo Insular from 11:00-14:30 ( the race starts at 11:30. The horse race will also mean road closure for the duration of the race. ) Lively street parades from Del Castañero Gordo to Plaza de Sintes at 21:00. Traditional Taifa dancing at Alameda Pio XII at 22:00 as well as orchestra “Panamaride” entertaining at 22:00 on Plaza de Sintes
XIII Clásica Villa de Teror
The Villa de Teror Classic is part of the festive activities of the municipality, an event for historical vehicles. It’s a classic single day that will take place between 09:45 and 17:15 on Saturday.
At 09:45 the vehicles located in the Plaza del Pino will exit to face the 183 km linear round trip to Tasarte beach where lunch will take place. The trip is in ten sections with a total of 97,017 km there and the return in another eight sections totalling 86,380 km to get back to the Plaza del Pino for 17:15 where the trophies will be awarded to the winners. The level of difficulty will be low, as well as the mileage of the sections.
SATURDAY 15 SEPTEMBER, TEJEDA
Fiestas en honor a Nuestra Señora del Socorro
In case you are up and about in the mountains, Tejeda, officially one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, is celebrating their Romeria in honour of Our Lady of Help, on Saturday. The pilgrimage offering starts at 17:00 and will end at the church and will be followed by a eucharist.
SATURDAY 15 SEPTEMBER, LAS PALMAS
FABRICA
Fabrica Fest 2018 en el Mercado del Puerto
In the emblematic Mercado del Puerto in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, on Saturday 5 hours of varied events for all the family.
17.00 Children’s activities with Magically Turuletas, Romina Vives Gonzalez and Laura Perdomo.
19.00 a swing dance workshop taught by Gonzalo Escudero and Mireia Plaza
20.30 Music performance from the Nicotine Swing
Free entry to all acts
Part of a full season of activities all through September across several islands and venues. More information can be found at https://www.fabricaisleta.com/fabrica-fest-2018-gran-canaria/
SUNDAY 16 SEPTEMBER, GUÍA
FIESTAS DE LAS MARÍAS – ROMERIA
Santa Maria de Guía are celebrating their festivities in honour of Las Marías.
Sunday will begin with religious acts from early in the day, with the celebration of the pilgrim’s Mass at the church at 09:00 and then, at 11:00, the solemn Eucharist to Santa Maria de Guia and the musical contribution of the Folkloric Group La Minilla, who will sing the Canarian mass.
Before, at 10.30, a walk of animals that will participate in the pilgrimage will take place in the streets of the Guía old town. A representation of tradition and folklore, involving thousands of people dressed in typical Canarian costumes, either individually or as members of the different groups and parrandas that will accompany the carts loaded with offerings to the Virgin starting at 12:00.
The pilgrimage will pass through the main streets to enter the city through Calle Medico Estévez and enter the town through the streets San José, Canonigo Gordillo and Luis Suárez Galván, and head towards the main church of Santa María de Guía, whose image will remain in the portico to receive the tributes of the pilgrims.
The historic centre of Guía was declared a National Historic–Artistic Monument in 1982.
